Hot Breakfast Drinks

You can go all in and have Mangú with Los Tres Golpes for breakfast, our national breakfast dish, if I dare name it so, but we also love something lighter, and this is where our selection of warm, nutritious breakfast Dominican drinks comes in, and there's one for every taste.

Be aware that Dominicans use the word "chocolate" (both chocolate and cocoa in Spanish) to describe a number of cocoa-like hot drinks that may or may not contain chocolate.

Check out our recipes, and see if find your favorite here. Serve it alongside any of our breakfast dishes, or with some pan de agua.

And remember, we love these for dinner too.

Avena caliente (hot oatmeal drink)

Avena caliente (hot oatmeal and milk drink)

This is one of the most popular recipes from hundreds on our blog! Shocked? Try and see why.

Avena caliente is a nutritious and satisfying drink that is more often than not served for breakfast, and occasionally for dinner. It’s practical, simple, quick to make, and inexpensive. Enjoy this "new" and better way to have your breakfast oatmeal.

Chocolate de agua (non-dairy cocoa)

Chocolate de agua (non-dairy cocoa)

Ask us and we're going to rave about this drink. There's so much to love about it: it is a vegan, wonderful alternative to dairy chocolate drinks, it is spiced, aromatic, comforting, and light, and it's perfect for those cooler mornings and nights.

Did I forget to mention it is easy to make and inexpensive? It's love in a cup.

Chocolate con leche (thick dairy cocoa)

Chocolate con leche (thick dairy cocoa)

Here's the sister recipe to the one above but made with milk, a creamy, easy-to-make, comforting drink perfect to warm our bones during the cooler season. The spices make it taste extra special.

This is a modern version of my mom's favorite.

Chocolate de maní (peanut cocoa)

Chocolate de maní (peanut cocoa)

Remember we mention that not all "chocolates" (cocoas) have chocolate in them? This one right here...

Chocolate de maní is warm and thick. It was a popular tradition in my own family. With its rich nutty flavor, it’s a truly satisfying experience. Mornings just got better!

Chocolate de maíz (roasted cornmeal cocoa)

Chocolate de maíz (roasted cornmeal cocoa)

And here's another chocolate-less cocoa, this time made with gofio, the Dominican roasted cornmeal.

We encourage you to try this. Thick, warm, and comforting, this spicy, fragrant drink is perfect for weekend breakfast, or to snuggle up with on a cold day. For some, it will bring back sweet memories of childhood.

Ponche de desayuno (breakfast coffee eggnog)

Ponche de desayuno (breakfast coffee eggnog)

And here's one I did not grow up with but learned to appreciate as a grownup. Ponche de desayuno, or eggnog coffee, is a thick, hearty morning drink. It’s perfect for the cooler days of the year.

Unlike some eggnogs, it’s usually a child-friendly drink. Usually.